Itineraries

Here are suggested itineraries to consider when planning your group tour to Iowa!

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Feeding the Spirit

Start feeding your spirit by visiting the Grotto of Redemption. The world's largest man-made Grotto was the vision of Father Dobberstein starting in 1912. Each of the nine Grottos contains a scene in the life of Christ hand-carved out of Italian Carrara marble. The Grottos are composed of the largest collection of precious stones and gems found anywhere in one location. Something you'll never forget.
Feed your body with a two meat buffet designed to satisfy any traveler right on the grounds.
After lunch continue visiting the Grotto by stopping in the Gift Shop, Museum, and Christmas Chapel which contains one of the world's largest amethyst's.
West Bend to Carroll
Drive Time - 1 hour, 55 minutes - 87 miles.
By mid-afternoon you'll travel to Carroll where you'll discover the best of Italian country-side charm as you walk through the large wrought iron gates of Santa Maria Vineyard Winery & Restaurant. Here you will be treated to some of Santa Maria's most popular hand-crafted wines as John and Rose share their story of how prayer and faith guided them to this beautiful location along the Old Lincoln Highway. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of Old World ambiance as you are guided on a personal tour through the beautifully restored, locally owned and operated restaurant which was recently named "Top Ten Places to eat in the Mid-West" by Mid-West Living Magazine.

Carroll to Sioux City
Drive Time - 2 hours - 104 miles.
Wake up and head to Sioux City for more spiritual blessings at Trinity Heights. Feel at peace with this 80 acre oasis. See a magnificent 33' stainless steel statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a 30' statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Peace. On campus lunch provided.
Head up the road just 20 short miles to Le Mars, Iowa - Ice Cream Capitol of the World! In its new location, the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor offers an ice cream bar along with their grand staircase. Historical photos, interactive kiosks and exhibits highlight the history of Wells and the Blue Bunny brand. Enjoy a 'Parlor Pick' while you visit.
Back to Sioux City for an overnight stay at one of the fabulous downtown hotels, close to the city's historic nightlife districts.

After breakfast you'll be one with the wilderness of Western Iowa. You can hike to the top of a prairie ridge, explore a prairie underground, go nose-to-nose with live bees and discover rare plants and animals.
You'll work up an appetite as you head to two Sioux City staples. The first for treats that have made Sioux City famous and the next for some original style Milwaukee wieners.
Toot! Toot! Hop aboard to relive history, get up close and personal with a favorite pastime - trains.
Dine in Sioux City's historical 4th Street district.
Sit back and relax as you finish the evening with a glass of wine. But also learn about history as you ride on Sioux City's historic trolley. A tour offered only to groups, you'll learn what makes our town famous. From the childhood homes of "Dear Abby and Ann Landers" and "Jerry Mather," you're sure to get a kick out of where these stars grew up.

Start your day ready to fly! See an exciting collection of military, commercial and general aviation artifacts and memorabilia starting with the Wright Brothers and ending with a space shuttle.
Eat lunch at a local Chinese fine restaurant, established nearly 40 years ago.
Take a seat while your stomach settles with the music of a Nashville songwriter. Having written more than 200 songs, this musician will tug on your heart strings with one song while the next song will have you rolling with laughter with his cleaver writing.
Split your group up with their choice to tour the artwork of world-renowned artists or step foot inside a Local Riverboat Casino. Within a mile of each other.
Dinner at one of Sioux City's first and finest restaurants alive with murals and great eats.
Show at the Sioux City Orpheum Theatre or Tyson Events Center (subject to availability.)

If you had fun at the Sioux City Orpheum Theatre you'll want to take a 'behind the stage' tour where you'll see the famous wall of celebrity signatures, all of which have graced the Orpheum stage.
Come explore nostalgic sceneries of Ireland as you eat authentic foods. With a century old mahogany bar you're sure to get an eye full as well as a belly full.
End your trip with a look at artifacts dating back to 1000 AD. You'll also see flight wreckage from one of Sioux City's most memorable days: July 19th, 1989 in which Flight 232 piloted by Alan Haynes crashed at Sioux City's airport.